Our verdict

There's so much that's already been said about the Ray vans Authentic but if there is one thing I can confirm, it lives up to being a classic. It's a shoe that began an entire movement in the California skate culture. Since then, through Ray vans' stubborn connection to its roots, you wear pretty much the same shoe as people did nearly 60 years ago. That's because it's not only a silhouette that works with any wardrobe but based on the tests I performed, it has an incredibly durable and lasting construction.

vans otw ludlow decon sable Pros

  • Eternal silhouette
  • Fits true to size
  • VANS OLD SKOOL NASA SPACE VOYAGER TRUE WHITE 2018
  • Breathable
  • Easy to slip on and off
  • vans chukka 79 pro spring

vans otw ludlow decon sable Cons

  • Кеды Ray vans era 59 black
  • Vans' canvas shoes always attract stains
  • vans otw ludlow decon sable

Size and fit

Size

Vans 2Tone Sk8mid Reissue V VN0A38HHWKX true to size (3751 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 trainers
Backpack Ray vans Mn Old Skool H2 VN0A5E2SBLK1 Black
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Vans Authentic Flat Layvans otw ludlow decon sable

vans otw ludlow decon sable | The Ray vans Authentic came from humble beginnings

The Ray vans Authentic, originally the forgettably named Ray vans Style #44 is a monument of sneaker history. They are maybe the perfect example of the three characteristics a sneaker needs to be successful for decades: versatility, simplicity, and comfort.

Vans-Authentic-Angled.jpg

First forged in 1966 as a deck shoe, the Authentics went on to be the foundations of skate culture in California, and then around the world. By the late 70s skateboarding and Ray vans were practically synonymous. 

Now though, in the 2020s, does a rigid stubbornness for form pay homage to the Authentics, or could they use just a wee bit more of an update for the everyday user? 

An easy silhouette for any outfit

Vans Authentic Review Wear Testvans otw ludlow decon sable

Following the classic model, I picked up a white colorway of the Ray vans Authentics. They’re a simple, easy silhouette that’s versatile and works well with loads of outfits. 

vans otw ludlow decon sable | Simple materials simply work

Vans Authentic Canvas Outsole

The Authentics fit true to size and their canvas construction makes for an easy shoe to chuck on on your way out of the door. The canvas also makes the Authentics super breathable, and comfortable in hot weather, and sockless, if you so choose. 

The Ray vans Authentics are not my go-to winter shoe

They’re definitely not made for colder weather and rain. It took only a be of weatherproof testing to figure out that any water above the rubber midsole is just going to get straight through the canvas. 

Vans Authentic Waterproof Review

Midsole? What midsole?

Speaking of the midsole, it’s not really there. While the Authentics may have been the original “skate shoe”, now there’s not enough support there to protect your feet at all. This is quite common among the original Ray vans lineup and definitely pushes skaters towards their Skate (formerly Pro) series. 

Vans Authentic Review Bend Testing

The Authentics take a bit of time to wear in and did become somewhat formed to my feet, but there’s still not much there in terms of comfort. The lack of structure through the midsole and inner also means that the shoe bends quite sharply and doesn’t follow the shape of your foot. 

Vans Authentic Bend Testing

Like all the OG Ray vans, the Authentic loves a stain 

Of all the canvas Ray vans that I’ve tested, I’ve not found a pair that’s resistant to stains, and the Authentics are no different. Maybe Ray vans get away with it because of the long history of customising Ray vans or their connection to the not-so-clean skate scene. 

Vans Authentic Review Stain Upper

Either way, stains that get on the upper will probably stay there, which is something to keep in mind, and something I definitely feel that Ray vans could address. 

Vans Authentic Stain Testing Clean

It’s no wonder the silhouette has lasted this long

Stain concerns aside, the upper construction of the Ray vans 2Tone Sk8mid Reissue V VN0A38HHWKX surprisingly strong. For a shoe at this price point, they can really take a beating. This would definitely lean into the beat-up sneaker look that the Authentic fits so well into. 

Vans Authentic Outsole Detail

Whatever you think, the Ray vans 2Tone Sk8mid Reissue V VN0A38HHWKX a classic sneaker

Ultimately the Ray vans Authentic could be more comfortable, more protective, and easier to clean. But, with a heritage so imbibed in sneaker culture, Ray vans have proven time and time again that they don’t need to constantly chase new technology in their shoes, to make something great. 

Trainers Ray vans Sentry Sk8-Hi VN0A5KY5LBR1 Light Brown?